NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 31: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Brooklyn Nets in action against the Chicago Bulls at Barclays Center on January 31, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Brooklyn Nets defeated the Chicago Bulls 133-118. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
They haven’t played a game together yet, but Kyrie Irving say he trusts Kevin Durant more than any past teammate at crunch time.
The Brooklyn Nets formed their star duo last offseason, pairing Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant in free agency. But Durant of course missed this entire past season as he worked his way back from ruptured Achilles. Irving only played 20 games in his first season with the Nets due to a right shoulder injury.
Irving is known for saying some odd or interesting things at times. During his appearance on Durant’s “The ETCs” podcast, his thoughts on the role of new Nets head coach Steve Nash qualified.
But Irving also said he trusts Durant more than anyone to make clutch shots.
Kyrie Irving is ready to defer to Kevin Durant
Irving noted he wasn’t trying to slight any past teammates. But he “felt guilty” when he wasn’t taking the last shot in games and “I felt like I was the best option.” Irving’s go-ahead 3-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, when on the floor with LeBron James, clinched the title and an epic comeback from 3-1 down for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Whatever other flaws he may have, Irving does not shrink from the big moment.
There are certainly far worse people to defer to at crunch time than Durant. He is one of the most unique and efficient shooters and scorers in NBA history, averaging an even 27 points per game for his career on 49.3 percent shooting from the floor and 38.1 percent from 3-point range.
As long as he’s healthy coming off a major injury that has derailed careers, Durant stands to often be the No. 1 option for the Nets when a game is on the line. Irving will have a little something to say about that, but the two seem set to co-exist in a way neither has with notable teammates before.